Patriots defense has strong foundation amid new leadership
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Quick-hit thoughts and notes around the New England Patriots and NFL:
1. Determined defense: Rookie quarterback Drake Maye threw two interceptions in a practice last week, and one of the first things he said in an interview afterwards was how challenging it is to face the Patriots’ defense.
“Our defense does a great job, so we’re getting great work out here [as an offense],” Maye, the No. 3 pick of the 2024 draft, said. “A lot of different pieces. They can do a lot of different things. They do a good job disguising. They do a good job bringing different blitzes. I think that’s what makes them special.”
In an offseason in which significant scouting and coaching resources were devoted to securing Maye as the hopeful quarterback of the future, in addition to using six of the team’s other seven draft picks on offensive players, Maye’s comments served as a reminder of sorts.
Oh yeah, the defense!
The Patriots’ D was one of the NFL’s better units in 2023, allowing an average of 3.3 yards per rush, the lowest mark in the league and lowest in franchise history since the AFL-NFL merger (1970). The unit didn’t receive consistent support from the offense yet finished seventh in the NFL in fewest yards allowed (301.6 per game), fifth in fewest first downs allowed per game (17.9) and sixth in third-down efficiency (opponents at 36.3%).
Those results came despite playing without leading sacker/outside linebacker Matthew Judon (biceps) and cornerback/2023 first-round pick Christian Gonzalez (shoulder) since the fourth week of the season. And now with everyone back other than veteran defensive tackle Lawrence Guy Sr., reserve linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. and reserve safety Adrian Phillips, coach Jerod Mayo said: “We’re going to be ahead because we return a lot of players. That was one of the goals coming into the season.”
